Raw Salted Caramel Almond Cake

This is my Xmas go-to cake… I made it for the first time last year and it went down a treat!!

I have total gratitude to The Health Emporium for showing me this recipe and the words below are 100% theirs… I’m tired and watching Xmas movies so am ah-em copying it ALL!

I hope you enjoy  it as much as I am (I can’t wait to eat it tomorrow)!!

Recipe:

This addictively delicious cake is raw, vegan, paleo-friendly, as well as free from refined-sugars, grains, gluten and dairy.  It would make the perfect birthday cake for your beloved family or friends; they’ll love you for it!  The recipe would also be amazing with hazelnuts, pecans or almonds instead of the almonds.

Use a 18-20cm (ie: small) round spring-form tin or a loaf tin for this recipe, or double the recipe and use a 23-25cm tin for a very large cake.  If not using a spring-form cake tin, line it with baking paper.

NB: You need to soak the cashews for 6-8 hours before you start, so it is a good idea to do this the night before.

Ingredients:

Base:

• 3/4 cup almond meal
• 6 fresh soft dates, seeded
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1 tbsp filtered water
• a pinch Himalayan salt

Almond Salted Caramel:

• 6 fresh soft dates, seeded
• 2tbsp warm filtered water
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder or essence
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or rice syrup*
• 3/4 cup almonds (activated if possible)

Chocolate Layer:

• 1 & 1/2 cups raw cashews
• 1/3 cup filtered water
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or rice syrup*
• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder

Top Layer:

• 1/2 cup almonds (activated if possible), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup raw cacao nibs

Method:

1. Soak the cashews in filtered water to cover for 6-8 hours.  Drain and rinse.

2. To make the base: pulse all of the ingredients in a food processor until it is the consistency of wet sand.  Press evenly into the tin and place into the freezer.

3. To make the caramel layer: place the dates and warm water in a food processor and puree.  Add coconut oil, salt, vanilla and syrup and blend until well combined.  Then pulse the almonds into the mixture, being careful not to over-process as you want some crunch and texture.  Spread the caramel evenly onto the base and return the tin to the freezer.

4. To make the chocolate layer: blend the cashews and water in a food processor until smooth, regularly scraping down the sides. Be patient this takes a few minutes.  Pour in the coconut oil and syrup, and blend until thoroughly combined.  Add the cacao and mix in.  Smooth the chocolate layer over the caramel and put the tin back into the freezer.

5. For the top layer: mix together the chopped almonds and cacao nibs and sprinkle over the top of the cake, gently pressing it into the cake.  Cover and return the tin to the freezer to set for 4-5 hours or overnight.

6. Remove the cake from the freezer to soften a little for 5-10 minutes before cutting, and serve in small slices as it is quite rich.  Any leftover cake will keep in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

Serves: 10-12

Preparation time: approximately 45 minutes, plus soaking and setting times.

*Maple syrup is sweeter than rice syrup so will produce a sweeter cake.

**Adapted from a recipe by Glen Farmer from www.suchdifferentskies.com.  Thanks for the inspiration Glen!

Harnessing the energy of the Solstice

So the magical days of the Solstice and the New Moon are upon us… Can you FEEL it? 

I’ve started writing this post so many times but the Solstice energy has had other pans for me like deep meditation, ceremony and planting trees… and cleaning my house, tying up loose ends and clearing the slate for the new beginnings!

The last few weeks have been tough for me and I have experienced many bumps, road blocks and even illness that forced me to my bed (!)  and the experience has/had left me feeling totally stomped on… but finally as we welcome in this new LIGHT ENERGY I’m feeling more clarity, more flow and a greater sense of EASE.  Thank freaking goodness!

Either way you look at it the energy is FULL POWER right now… full power in a take no prisoners kind of way.  There are solar flares and new light energy streaming at our planet like we have never seen before and we literally have to hold on to our hats to make sure these physical vehicles of ours are ready.

I quote from Kryona as I feel she says it so well:

During the 21/22 December Summer/Winter Solstice 2014 the Sun will once more rise on the Galactic Cross, providing us with access to  potent frequencies keys and codes that are only available for 72 years in every 26,000 year cycle.   This is a vitally important seed point for the co-creation of your new world & the coming year 2015, and for Earth!  This moment once more heralds that we are at the beginning of a new world age, The Age of Aquarius, an age of light!

This years Solstice is extra super charged because it is also aligning with the Capricorn New Moon (seed point) – which means that this year the Solstice or renewal of the Solar Cycle, is occurring at the same time as we have a renewal of the Lunar Cycle.  Additionally on this day Uranus (12°Aries 34′) is stationing direct (still very much strongly a part of the 6th exact Uranus/Pluto Square Alignment) is adding elements of unpredictability to this rare Solstice New Moon time.  If ever there was a day to maximise our co-creative abilities through ceremonial intention – this is it.

More in depth info here  …

During these Solstice or gateway times our access to the Great Mystery is increased particularly when we show up in ceremony and open ourselves to receive the downloads / upgrades / communication… whatever we feel you are ready for.  This is our time to fully realise our I AM presence and connect to the UNIFIED or oneness field, fully embodying the 5th dimensional frequency and playing our crucial part in giving birth to our new world.

Now… I know that may have sounded quite out there… so how about this?

This is your chance to fully welcome in the LIGHT beaming to you LIVE from the Galactic Centre of the Universe!

Hmm… maybe STILL too off-planet but you’ll have to go with me here as the train has already left the station!  

The energy of this time has called me to speak up about more off-planet things (as my magic Mum and I have been referring to them for the past 4 – 5 years of our work), to completely stand in my power as a starseeded one and, don’t laugh, but assume the role a publicist or Communications Manager for the Galactic Light Council… a broadcaster and connecter to keep you up to date on the energetic happenings on our planet (and beyond) and how you can play your part.

Are you still with me…? I hope so…

A Solstice job for you… 

SOLSTICE MEDITATION:

I urge you to find some time today to step out into nature (if you can) and meditate on the Solstice Energy:

• Find a comfortable seat and get quiet
• Observe your breath and feel yourself letting go with each exhale
• Feel the energy spiralling up from the crystalline core of the earth.  This upward spiral is linked to the masculine energy in the human form, moving up to the heart chakra.. this is our knowledge to manifest reality.
• Feel the energy spiralling down through your Crown chakra, activating the Pineal gland, the higher heart chakra / thymus (knowing of higher dimensions/connection to higher self)… this is the female energy.
• Feeling the energies meet in your sacred heart space making what we call a vertical alignment, letting light into all the chakras and bringing the information down into reality… expressing it horizontally into reality by SHARING.  In this alignment you are in a protective pillar of light… in a perfect torodial field.
• Feel the expansion of your energy and open yourself to receive the LIGHT of the Solstice – perhaps you can visuaise it as a golden or platinum light flooding your field.
• Hold this space for as long as feels right.
• Perhaps also send this light back to the Earth for her harmonisation, transmutation and healing.
• Slowly bring your energy back into your body and come back to your heart space… and when it feels right bring yourself back into this dimension.

As part of my recent meditations I have been visiting the chakra points of the earth, playing my role in the activation of the crystal cities of light at each sacred space, anchoring the energy and playing my role in the healing and awakening.  Perhaps this idea resonates with you too… the earth can definitely use more help so please reach out if you have any questions.

Another thing for you to do…

CAST YOUR NEW MOON WISHES & INTENTIONS!

Cast your wishes to be invigorated by this new light energy… cast your own sacred spell to be manifested into reality.

My intention for this new moon is to UNIFY.  I have felt the strong call to form a community of light workers, to come together in ceremony and group meditations … to UNIFY our hearts across the Universe… and to UNIFY and harmonise the polarities within… to UNIFY with my I AM presence and the light frequencies.  To stand up and make waves in this plight of UNIFICATION in the process of anchoring in the light for our planet!

As Mystic Mamma says in her Solstice update…

These turning points are opportunities for us to come together and unite our intentions in visualizing and birthing more LIGHT for our planet. It’s not about being afraid, of our collective shadows nor our personal ones, but about owning them and birthing more harmony and peace within ourselves and as a result without.

So join me in rising up and playing your part in the GRAND AWAKENING…!

We are the ones we have been waiting for…

Aho Mitakyue Osayin x

Feel the gratitude first

Around this time of the year I’m seeing workshops popping up for 2015 vision board making, intention setting, new year’s resolutions brainstorming over cups of tea etc… now certainly feels like the time to get clear on what we want in 2015.

And yes… I agree with all of this totally.  I love nothing more than casting my energy towards what I want and feeling very much a part of the co-creative process of life.  But sometimes this ‘wish list’ puts me in the frame of mind of thinking about all the stuff I haven’t done yet, the stuff I’m bugging myself daily to achieve, insinuating that I am not perfect as I am in the present moment.

I get caught in the head space of focussing on where I am lacking… where I am not doing enough.  Where I’m not complete enough (yet).

Are you with me?

This is an on going issue for me.  As a self employed creative goddess I find myself forever focussing on all of the areas of my life where I need improvement even so much that I sometimes find it hard to take a compliment.

When someone mentions they like my website I will retort and say “oh really… uuugh… it’s so not finished yet”… or the amazing international retreats I am running.  I feel good about it all but there is still that niggling feeling of not being quite polished enough.  Not being on top of it… always needing more!  More clients, more sales, more freaking time to get it all done!

And let’s face it, there will always feel like there is more to do so long as we continue to live in this contraction of perfection (for my students who were in my classes they will get what I’m on about).

We are planners, schedulers and want to make a difference.  It’s energising and exciting and many of us (particularly the pittas like me) are hard wired to want to manically create!

But I’m feeling, and the messages I’m receiving tell me, maybe it’s time to take the foot off the gas. To allow ourselves to steep in the present moment.  To take the time to notice the array of magical gifts it holds for us rather than rushing ahead with goal after goal and to do list upon to do list.

I feel like we have finally realised what amazing manifestors we are and now we can chill a bit. To allow ourselves to be cradled in the arms of the Universe… to fall into the current of life and be taken on a co-creative journey.

Now yes, I did say co-creative… and I’m not telling you to stop having vision… but I am suggesting for you tostop being so hard on yourself.  To stop the pressurising and bask in the gratitude for what you already ARE!

Woah – yes!  Because YOU my darling are magical and have done so much with your life already.  Cast you mind back and remember how you have grown… see how much you have transformed.

When I think of my evolution to date (particularly over the last 4 years) my mind is 100% blow.

In 2011 I did my first yoga teacher training and stumbled on to the  Sydney teaching scene, learning by my mistakes.  In mid 2012 I answered the call of my heart and courageously leapt from my TV Marketing job… not really sure what was coming next.  I knew I had a date with Burning Man and a co-teaching gig at  a yoga retreat in Formentera (Ibiza) but when I met the love of my life at DC10 (google it) everything made sense.  I knew I was working in harmony with the energy of the Universe.

Then another gift came my way in the disguise of a 12 month contract as the Marketing Director of Warner Bros. TV back in Sydney.  I reluctantly took it as it felt like going backwards but it was the best decision yet as it allowed me to cash up and feel a little more secure before making the big decision to launch my international retreat business and become the travelling yoga goddess I am today!

So here I am, self employed, often feeling a bit disorganised and overwhelmed but throughly blown away by my progress.  I’ve come a long way from the party girl who didn’t know who she was.  Frustrated at not being able to share her gifts with the world as she wasn’t really sure what she was here to offer.

If you had have told me 4 years ago that I would already be here  - looking down the barrel of 12 months of international teaching gigs I would thought you were a crazy person!

So I want to take this moment to feel the gratitude for all the good stuff… and all of you good ones who have helped me along my adventure of life!

Let’s all cast our minds back over what has been 2014, pull out a journal and write a gratitude list. Taking a moment to reflect on how far you have come along your own journey.

Here’s mine for 2014:

I am grateful for…

• My time at Warner Bros. for providing for my future… and equally grateful you be out of the 9 to 5 and in my own natural rhythm (without shoes)!
• Teaching at Wanderlust Festival in Melbourne was a massive rush!
• Epic Perth family time and adventures in a van in WA with my love (including no showers for a week!)
• Having my magical Mumma in the house for my 34th birthday.
• Leading my first ever Solstice Goddess Retreat in Ibiza with Kirsty Gallagher (love her)
• Meeting one of my great teachers Jules Gibbons in Ibiza – thank you for you words, your energy and the profound effect you have had on my life.
• Getting engaged to the man of my dreams  and running away for love fest in Ibiza!
• Two weeks of juicy Laughing Lotus LOVE in Ubud – YES YES YES!! Thank you Sri Jasmine & Sri Emily!
• Basking in the magic of Bali and running my first ever Raw Yoga Bliss retreat with beautiful Amanda fromThe Raw Food Kitchen – big love to the 22 goddesses who trusted us to guide on this journey of transformation!
• Meeting and working with incredible Malaika Cheze Darville and reconnecting my energy to the earth… and doing my 5 Elements Dance Facilitator training.  This was HUGE for me – thank you Malaika!
• Finally getting COSMIC with Meghan Currie (my idol – #girlcrush)
• Really blossoming into my gifts as teacher, facilitator and magical light worker.  This has been a huge year of opening and remembering for me… totally harmonising with the energies of the planet.  Of softening into my yoke and dancing the cosmic dance between the sacred masculine and feminine.
• Loving Earth raw chocolate – for feeding my addiction
• To Pachamama for always nourishing us and cradling us, no matter how we treat you.
• To my whole company of heaven, my angels, my goddesses, the Galactic Light Federation – you know how much I appreciate your communication and support!  Thank you for allowing me to open and feel your presence and for trusting me to be the vessel for your divine love.

2014 has been an incredible ride and I feel 2015 has even more magic to unveil – can I handle it…?  I say YES YES YES!!

Let me know how you go with your gratitude… I’d love to hear what’s on your list – message me here or on hello@sarahjaneperman.com.